Console gaming is great for most of the gaming genres out there, but there is definitely a huge void in one enthusiast category: simulators. Driving, flying, managing, or surviving, PC simulation games can offer a unique and realistic experience.
Sure, there are plenty of simulation games on console, but if you want the most engaging and engrossing environment, it has to be on PC.
If you’re new to PC sims or have only seen them as a niche hobby, you should try them for yourself. For example, a game called “Job Simulator” might sound ridiculous, at first, but it has just hit $3 million in sales.
That just goes to show how popular and fun these games are becoming.
If you need a little inspiration, check out our list of the top 7 simulation games you can find right now.
1. Flight Sim World
We start out with the finest example of a flight simulator. This is not your average solo piloting expose. Flight Sim World incorporates realistic flying, real-world mapping, and a network of great content to keep both hardcore and newbie pilots interested.
There’s plenty of introductory training that will help you get off the ground, as well as engaging missions that will make you feel accomplished and entertained.
2. The Sims 4
This PC simulation games staple keeps improving and adding to an already addicting formula. The latest incarnation adds even more great art design, animation, and features.
The customizations are limitless and very inclusive of all cultures and genders. Of course, the Sims will always feel fresh, thanks to their generous offerings of expansion packs.
Although The Sims 4 is on console, you would be missing a big part of what makes this game so amazing: the mods! There’s nothing better than sharing and downloading custom mods and recreating TV shows, movies, or favorite celebs, and then having them do all sorts of crazy stuff.
You are never too old or too late to get hooked on the Sims’ universe.
3. F1 2017
Looking for something to get your blood pumping and fingers sweaty? We’re talking the fastest cars in the world, barreling down the most iconic race tracks. F1 2017 is the racing simulator of this year.
Forza might grab all the headlines and attention, but if you want real professional racing, you want F1 2017. The sense of speed is unmatched. The controls and nuance of steering is exciting. Pair this with a premium steering wheel and you basically have a complete arcade experience in your home.
Because of its lengthy career mode, Championships mode, and fantastic online play, this racer reigns as one of the highest rated PC simulation games on Metacritic.
4. Euro Truck Simulator 2
If driving race cars is a bit too fast for your blood, why not try seeing if you can handle the horsepower of a semi-truck? Euro Truck Simulator makes truck driving a deceptively addictive and almost hypnotic activity.
This is one of the most satisfying experiences in PC simulators right now. The graphics are amazing, the controls are realistic but forgiving, and the missions are actually interesting.
There’s more to driving a truck and delivering packages than just hitting gas and brake pedals. You’ll definitely walk away with a new appreciation for truckers after playing this.
5. Flight Simulator X
This is what our number one pick is based on, so we have to give a place for Microsoft’s best work. This is a game that opens up your imagination and gives you the keys to go anywhere.
This is a hobby that takes time, effort, and a love for the open skies. If you’re looking for a challenging game that is both fair and rewarding, Flight Simulator X is your calling.
Don’t judge it by its age, either. This game has received so much loving support, graphical upgrades, and still retains a strong community over a decade later.
6. Farming Simulator 2017
While digging for realistic, fun PC sims, you will inevitably come across the popular niche market of working or job simulators.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like on a farm in this day and age? Well, wonder no more, Farming Simulator 2017 is about as real as it gets.
Plowing, planting, harvesting, and managing requires lots of great managing skills and organization. The fact that you get to drive these massive pieces of equipment is just icing on the cake.
It’s a challenging simulator without simulating the stress that comes with the reality of actual farming labor.
7. Silent Hunter 5
War simulators are plentiful and are often very inaccurate. That isn’t the case with the Silent Hunter series. This WW2 simulator puts you in history’s biggest ships and armed with the biggest guns.
What’s great about Silent Hunter is that there is just as much historical content as there is action-oriented gameplay. Nothing is embellished or exaggerated here, the intensity and strategy of war is kept in-tact and believable.
Although this game came out in 2010, it still stands well in the new generation of 4k gaming. Plenty of mods and community customization is available for you to make it look and play even better.
More PC Simulation Games
There you have it, our top seven picks for PC simulators. There were obvious favorites missing from our list that didn’t make it (Football Manager, Project Cars, etc.). This is just the nature of making lists based on personal favorites.
If you feel like you need more simulator games to choose from, then don’t worry, we have plenty more where these came from.
Not only will you find more top PC simulation games, you’ll also find some free games on PC. Those who just want to try them out before they commit to buying will find some good ways to preview here.
We hope you liked our picks, if you feel like there needs to be more written about your favorite PC sims games, then go ahead and leave us a comment. Don’t forget to share this with your friends!
